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MOLLY'S WAY 



A Comedy in Three Acts 



BY 

ALICE is(. THOMPSON 

Author of "THE RETURN OF LETTY. 
" HER SCARLET SLIPPERS." etc. 




PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1912 



1^^J^^3S 



<Lc'\'^ 



,^1 



Copyright 1911 by The Penn Pubi^ishing Company 



(^CI.D 25822 



Molly's Way 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Molly Meadows With a will of her own 

Laurie Meadows ........ Secretly a wife 

Miss Laura Meadows . . Aunt to Molly ajid Laurie 

Mks. RosETTA VValden An ^^ old flame'' 

Ruth Walden Willing to love Charlie 

Mk. Edward Meadows .... An irascible parerit 
Jack Lawrence . . . Who thinks Mollfs all right 

Philip Moore Laurie's husba?id 

Charlie Cranston . Looking for some one to love him 
Napoleon Alexander Brown . . . . A tuneful lover 



Time of Playing : — Two hours. 



STORY OF THE PLAY 

Molly Meadows, who is very much in love with Jack 
Lawrence, cannot gain her father's consent to her engagement 
until her older sister, Laurie, is married. Laurie is, in fact, 
secretly married to Philip Moore, but dares not tell her fatlier 
because of an old feud, which long ago caused the erection 
of a "spite fence" between the Meadows and the Moore 
properties. Impatient Molly, fond of " her way," under- 
takes to cut the knot that tangles the affairs of the four 
young people. She and Jack elope in Mr. Meadows' tour- 
ing car and come to grief in a ditch. Mr. Meadows, in 
catching the runaways, finds an old sweetheart, but Laurie, 
after an accident to Phil, confesses her marriage. Both 
fathers are angry, but Molly, still determined to find a way, 
wins over Phil's father. The old quarrel is forgotten, down 
comes the "spite fence," and every one is glad to see it go. 
A pair of old lovers. Aunt Laura and her piano tuner. 
Napoleon Alexander Brown, add a lively spice of fun. All 
the parts are good and the comedy almost plays itself. 



COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

Molly. About twenty. Very vivacious and bright, but 
with an evident will of her own. Act I, summer traveling 
suit ; motor coat and veil toward end of act. Same in 
Act IL Same in Act III, with change to handsome house 
gown. 

Laurie. About twenty-two. Rather slower and more 
serious than Molly. Act I, summer house gown. Act II, 
automobile costume. Act III, indoor costume, plain but 
pretty. 

Miss Laura Meadows. About fifty. An old maid, but 
not burlesque. Act I, plain house summer costume. Act 
II, motor costume. Act III, handsome house costume. 

Mrs. Walden. About fifty-three. Plainly but hand- 
somely dressed. House costume in Act II, and afternoon 
walking or tea costume in Act III. 



PROPERTIES 5 

Ruth. About eighteen. Pretty summer house dress in 
Act II, and afternoon tea costume in Act III. 

Mk. Meadows. About fifty-five. Rather peppery. 
Wears glasses. Business suit in Act I. Motor costume in 
Act II. Outdoor summer costume in Act III • all suitable 
for a gentleman getting past middle age. 

Jack. About twenty-five. Summer suit and straw hat 
in Act I, with motor coat and cap at end of act. Same in 
Act II. Summer afternoon suit, hat, and cane in Act III. 
Well dressed throughout. 

Philip. About twenty-five. Summer business suit or a 
riding-suit in Act I. Light summer suit, or blue coat and 
white flannel trousers in Act III, with bandage on head and 
arm in sling. 

Charlie. About twenty-five. Business summer suit in 
Act I, and carries motor coat and cap. Same in Act II. 
Afternoon costume in Act III. Well dressed throughout. 

Napoleon Alexander Brown. A tall, thin man of fifty. 
Wears shabby long coat and old-fashioned hat. Flower in 
buttonhole at first entrance in Acts I and III. His whole 
costume and manner speaks of " genteel poverty," while it is 
evident he was once a dandy. 



PROPERTIES 



Act I. — Knitting materials, a newspaper, a letter, a cigar 
case, a box of candy, a large piece of paper or cardboard 
bearing message, a hand bell. 

Act II. — Flowers, box containing bracelet and card, a 
book, a gentleman's visiting card, a blue paper, supposed to 
be a summons. 

Act III. — An iced cake, napkin, a small bouquet of 
flowers, a suit- case, a ring in box, six letters. 



SCENE PLOTS 

Acts T and III 



Mr£:/itOP BACHING 



\O00^ 




£Xr£AlOfi SACH/N& 
POOR 



3~\. 




f \doo/k 

TABLE Jl CHAIRS \J 



Scene. — Sitting-room in Mr. Meadows' country home. 
A large sofa and chairs, u. Table covered with a cloth, 
and an armchair, l. c. A door opens r. c. into room or 
passage, another l. c. into garden or verandah. Entrances 
up R. and down l. 

Act it 




Scene. — Parlor in Mrs. Roselta VValden's house. En- 
trances L. and R. At r. c. is a lounge and chairs, down L. c. 
a table, on it a vase of flowers and a book. At L. back a 
small writing desk. At r. back a window. At L. an alcove 
or hall with door opening in. 

6 



Molly's Way 



ACT I 

SCENE, — Sitting-room in Mr. Meadows' country home on 

Long Island, N. V. 

{At rise Mr. M. and Miss Laura Meadows discovered. 
She knits beside table. Mr. M. reads a paper.) 

Miss M. What was it you were going to speak to me 
about, Edward? 

Mr. M. {dropping paper). To speak to you about — oh, 
yes, I remember; it's about the girls. 

Miss M. The girls ? Laurie is not causing you any un- 
easiness, is she? 

Mr. M. Oh, no, no, Laurie never gives any trouble. 

Miss M. Then it's little Molly. 

Mr. M. Well, yes, it is Molly, and yet in a way it's both 
of them. Laura, you have been a mother to my children 
since their own mother died. Their interests are yours, I 
know. Now, I want you to help me. You know how I 
managed Agnes and Matilda. 

Miss M. I know how Fate managed for you. 

Mr. M. Nonsense ! It was all my doing. When my 
girls were growing up I decided that they should marry ac- 
cording to their age. 

Miss M. You were very fortunate in finding husbands 
for tliem just as you wanted them. 

Mr. M. System, my dear, system. Matilda was spoken 
for first, you remember, but I was very firm with Gordon ; 
very firm. I replied, No sir, Matilda is younger than Agnes. 
She cannot marry first. 

Miss M. And Gordon went away at once and brought 
Mr. Claude Whitney, who had admired Agnes at a dance, 
^o we had two weddings in a year. Oh, it worked admir- 

7 



8 molly's way 

ably that time ! But I wonder if you could pursue the same 
policy with Jack Lawrence, 

Mr. M. {rising). Jack Lawrence ! That boy ! But I 
won't allow Molly to marry him. And Laurie, who is 
nearly three years older, not even engaged. It's ridiculous. 

Miss M. Jack is a nice boy. Just like my own nephew. 
He always calls me Aunt Laura. 

Mr. M. Before Jack tries to manage a wife he had 
better learn how to manage an automobile. 

Miss M. 1 thought Jack could do almost anything. 

Mr. M. (t-i^ing). He can do more damage in a short 
time than any one I ever knew. 1 let him drive the run- 
about the other day, and he ran into McCrackin's cow, 
jumped the fence, and got on the railroad track just in time 
for the Bayside express. Of course he escaped, but he 
injured the cow and smashed the motor to bits. 

Miss M. Why, I heard nothing about it. 

Mr. M. No, 1 didn't tell Molly. Somehow or other the 
fellow got me to promise to keep mum about it. But he 
shan't marry Molly — not until her older sister is settled. 
Laurie is an attractive girl. 

Miss M. Philip Moore seems to think so. 

Mr. M. Moore? Does she see anything of him? 

Miss M. Of course. Next door neighbors since they 
were children; what can you expect? Don't be harden 
Philip. He is not responsible for his grandparents' sins. 

Mr. M. He has the same blood. No daughter of mine 
shall have anything to do with a grandson of Samuel Moore, 

Miss M. It seems a pity to keep up the bad feeling for 
so many years. I would gladly give up an acre or two of 
land. 

Mr. M. Land ! It was not only a question of the land. 
It was a principle ! We refused to be robbed, that's all. 

Miss M. All the same I'm sorry father ever went to law 
about it, especially as he lost. It's so uncomfortable to be 
on bad terms with neighbors. And you are wealthy, Ed- 
ward. You can afford to forget it. 

Mr. M. I'll never forget it. As to wealth — Sam Moore 
is wealthier than I am. My, my, I remember as if it was 
yesterday when father brought the news he had lost the suit. 
1 had been over at Sam's; we were both nineteen years of 
jage and had been chums from babyhood, you might say. 

Miss M. Ah, yes, 1 remember. I was several years 



MOLLY S WAY 9 

younger — ^just a child, but I heard him forbid you to speak 
to Sam again. (^Goes to door L. c. and points off.^ That 
ugly fence ! There it has been ever since. I fairly hate 
that fence. I remember that day as well as if it was a 
month ago.. Rosetta VValden was staying with us. 

Mr. M. Poor Rosetta ! She is nothing but a memory. 
I don't suppose I'd know her if I met her. By the way, 
didn't she marry? 

Miss M. Of course. You don't suppose an attractive 
girl like Rosetta would remain single all her life because you 
and she quarreled over an old fence. She told you some 
plain truths, Edward. Of course she married. 

Mu. M. I wonder where she is living. 

Miss M. I haven't the least idea. 

Mk. M. I haven't thought of her for years. What 
brought her back to your mind, Laura? 

Miss M. The fence, of course. I was noticing this 
morning how shaky it is getting ; and that reminded me of 
the day it was put up. I've never seen Rosetta since. 

jVIr. M. And I never spoke to Sam again. Now you 
see how impossible it would be for any member of my 
family to be friendly with Sam's son. It's to be hoped 
Laurie hasn't seen much of him. Is he at home now ? 

Miss M. He has been away for two months with his 
father, in Washington, I believe. You know Sam Moore 
has lived there for the past five years. 

Mu. M. Yes, I know. 

Miss M. Oh, Edward, before you shadow any young 
hearts, do not let us forget Napoleon Brown. 

Mr. M. Napoleon Brown ! Never heard of the fellow. 

Miss M. Can you have forgotten? Think! Perhaps 
you will recall him if I add his middle name — also a dis- 
tinguished one — Alexander. We always called him Alex- 
ander. 

Mr. M. Napoleon Alexander Brown. Come, that sounds 
more familiar. It seems to conjure up a tall, loose-legged, 
lean-faced chap with 

Miss M. A fine, handsome, soldierly man with the brow 
of a commander and the eyes of an eagle. He conquered 
wherever he went. 

Mr. M. Napoleon Alexander. Two fine names, and 
his own was just Brown — ^jiist plain Brown. 

Miss M. {musingly). Yes, just plain dark Brown. 



10 MOLLY S WAY 

Mu. M. Ah, yes, I remember. Why, Laura, you were 
engaged to him. 

Miss M. I was, and we would have been married, but 
unfortunately Napoleon took father out in a rowboat and 
upset him, just for fun, in four feet of water. 

Mr. M. And so he met his Waterloo. 

Miss M. (rising). Poor Alexander, he had a keen sense 
of humor, but nobody shared it. 

Mr. M. Least of all father, that time. 

Miss M. He gave him just half an hour to get out of 
the village. But I have never forgotten him. (Sighs.') 
He may be married now, he may be dead, which would be 
better, but his voice, his face, his beautiful clothes — you 
remember how well dressed he always was — are green in 
my memory yet. Now when you are dealing with your 
daughters' love affairs, remember Napoleon Alexander 
Brown. You don't want Laurie to pine and fade away. 

Mr. M. Tut, you didn't pine and fade. I don't believe 
you lost a pound of flesh over that affair. 

Miss M. You wrong me, Edward. My weight was de- 
creased by at least one pound and three-quarters in a fort- 
night, I remember. I never touched candy for ten days. 
Oh, 1 felt it bitterly ! Here is Laurie coming. Don't be 
harsh with her. Remember Napoleon Alexander Brown. 

(Enter Laurie Meadows, l. She walks slowly, reading 
letter.) 

Laurie. How do you spell irrevocable, with one r or 
two, father? 

Miss M. Whatever do you want with such a big word 
as that, Laurie? 

Laurie. I'm writing. Oh, nothing. 

Mr. M. Come here, my dear child. (Laurie goes to 
him. ) Your aunt and I have been talking matters over. 
Now we want to say something to you. 

Miss M. We, Edward ? 

Mr. M. Certainly; I expect your cooperation, Laura. 

Laurie. What is it? 

Mr. M. Don't be alarmed, Laurie. You have always 
been a good, dutiful child. You have never done anything 
to displease me. I would like to see you happily married. 
We both would, indeed, before we die. 

Miss M. Oli, Edward, don't talk of dying. 



MOLLY S WAY II 

Mr. M. Well, well, Fll leave you out of that, Laura. 
(To Laukie.) If there is any one you care for 

Laurie. Only Philip. 

Mu. M. (Jiarshly). You mean Philip Moore? 

Laurie. Yes. 

Mr. M. I can never consent to that. 

Laurie (rising). Father ! 

Mr. M. You must not think of it. You must not see 
him. 

Laurie. Oh, you are unjust to him. 

Miss M. Oh, don't let us have any scenes, please. My 
nerves cannot stand them. And here is Molly coming. 
Don't let her think we are disagreeing. 

{^Enter Molly Meadows, l. c.) 

Molly. Father, come for a sail. And you. Aunt Laura, 
all of you — come. The wind is just right. I've got the 
boat ready. 

Mr. M. Presently, dear. But I want to speak to you 
first. Now I don't wish to frighten you. 

(Molly sits beside hint.') 

Molly {in mock alarm). And Fm so easily frightened. 
Oh, what is it ? 

Mr. M. Just this — you cannot think of getting married 
until Laurie is settled. 

Molly {Jumping). Who said I ever thought of getting 
married ? 

Laurie. Fm so relieved. 

Molly (/^Laurie). And who said I didn't? 

Mr. M. Well, you know my ideas on the subject? 

Molly. Oh, yes. The eldest daughter must be married 
first, then the second, and then the third, and then the 
fourth, and then the fifth, and then the sixth and the seventh 
and the eighth 

Miss M. Oh, stop, stop ! Do you want to give people 
the impression that you have a regiment of sisters older than 
yourself? 

Molly. It would require a lot of father's system, eh ? 

Mr. M. I am quite in earnest, Molly, thoroughly in 
earnest. It isn't right that a younger sister should marry 
before an older one. You know how I arranged it for Agnes 



12 MOLLY S WAY 

and Matilda. Well, I intend to follow out the same plan 
wilh you two girls. 

Molly. It's rather hard on Laurie. 

Laurie. Indeed it is. 

Molly. And it's very hard on me. But don't let us 
worry about it ; you may have us with you for years to come, 
ten, twenty, thirty. 

Laurie. Heaven forbid ! 

Molly. You may have us forever, 

Mr. M. That's not likely. But you understand me, I'm 
sure. Come, now, we'll go down to the boat-house. 

Laurie. I will join you in half an hour, father. I have 
a letter to write. 

Mr. M. Perhaps you'd like to show it to me when it's 
finislied. I know you write very interesting letters, Laurie. 
Come, Laura, you'll go with me. 

Miss M. Certainly, Edward. 

Molly. And I am going to get a shady hat. Expect 
me in five minutes. (^Exeunt Miss M. and Mr. M., l. c.) 
Don't worry, Laurie. It will all come out right in the end. 

Laurie. I hope so. Oh, I do hope so. If I could only 
tell you, Molly. If I could explain. Don't mind me if I 
seem to act a little strangely. 1 think my nerves are upset. 

Molly. Oh, buck up, Laurie, and go in for a swim. 
Or better still, go fishing. 

(Molly laughs and exits l. Laurie draws a letter from 
her waist and kisses it.') 

(^Efiter Philip Moore, r.) 

Laurie. Philip, you back again ! 

Philip. My wife ! 

Laurie. Oh, hush, Philip. How did you dare come 
here? No one must, suspect. 

Philip. I came in tlie back way. So it's still our secret ? 

Laurie. Oh, yes, I haven't told a soul. And I'm in 
fear all the time that it will be suddenly found out. How 
strange it seems to have been married for over two months 
and still be called Miss Laurie Meadows. 

Philip,, It's not right. We must end this silence, and 
you shall take my name before the whole world. 

Laurie. No, not yet, Phil. I have just had the most 
awful interview with father. 



MOLLY S WAY I 3 

Philip. Poor darling ! What did he say ? 

Laukie. Perfectly dreadful tilings. He nearly broke my 
heart. In the first place he forbids me to have anything to 
do with you. 

Philip. If he only knew ! 

Laurie. But I can't tell him yet. You know I'm not 
of age. 

Philip. You will be in three months. 

Laurie. How remorseful I felt. He said I had 
never displeased him. And oh, Philip, think what I've 
done ! 

Philip. We ought to tell him. You know, Laurie, we 
can't keep this pretense up much longer. I can see you 
only in stolen interviews — you, who ought to be presiding 
over my house. 

Laurie. Is there any hope of a house, dear? Were you 
successful in that business ? 

Philip. No. To get a partnership I need eight thou- 
sand dollars. It's a splendid chance, an old established 
firm. If I could only get hold of that money. 

Laurie. Your own money 

Philip. Oh, you know the conditions under which my 
grandfather left it. That it should be mine if I married ac- 
cording to my father's wishes. Otherwise it is to go to the 
Soldiers' Home. The old gentleman must have had premo- 
nitions, I think. 

Laurie. And your father knows nothing of our marriage ? 

Philip. No, indeed. When he does know, I suppose 
he'll disinherit me, too. 

Laurie. Oh, isn't it dreadful that our fathers should be 
such enemies? Can't you borrow the money somewhere? 
— Jack Lawrence 

Philip. Poor old Jack ! Yes, he'd lend it in a minute 
if he had it; but I don't believe he owns a hundred dollars. 

Laurie. And I do want you to succeed. Father might 
be more inclined to forgive us then — I mean if he thought 
you had already done something worth while. 

Philip. And I've done nothing worth while, darling, 
except win you. There's some one coming 1 I must go. 
It wouldn't do to be caught here. Can't you meet me in 
town to-morrow, and we'll lunch together? 

Laukie. Yes, I can manage it, I think. How would 
the twelve-fifteen train do? 



14 MOLLY S WAY 

Philip. Very well. I'll go to the ferry. Good-bye, 
darling. {^Kisses her.^ 

{Exit Philip, r.) 

{Enter Molly, l. c. She wears a big shady hat with 
flozvers. ) 

Molly. I thought you were writing a letter. 
Laurie. Oh, 1 forgot all about it. I'll go now. 

[Exit R.) 
{Enter Jack Lawrence, l. c.) , 

Jack. Molly! {Goes to her with arms out.') 

Molly. No, you can't kiss me to-day. 

Jack. Why not ? 

Molly. Because it's all off with us, Jack. 

Jack. Are you going to throw me over ? 

Molly. Not I, but dad. Yes, Jack, he has issued a 
command, and he won't alter it for any one. It is that the 
elder daughter must be married first. I cannot even be en- 
gaged until I have seen Laurie depart respectably in a four 
wheeler and a shower of confetti. 

Jack. Oh, pshaw 1 That's absolute rot. What do other 
people do ? 

Molly. Other people marry in a hit and miss style and 
repent at leisure. We have a system of our own. 

Jack. As if falling in love has anything to do with 
system. 

Molly. System will do wonders. Look how we settled 
the others. First we married Agnes, then Matilda. Laura 
is the next one upon whom the fatal lot has fallen. 

Jack. Molly, stop fooling, and listen to me a minute. 

{They sit r.) 

Molly. I'm not fooling. If you don't believe me go 

and ask father. 

Jack. No, thank you. I don't want to be put through 
a catechism until I can answer a few questions in the af- 
firmative. Have you any prospects? No prospects but 
Molly. Then have you any ambition? No ambition but 
to marry Molly. After that, you'll see 

Molly. Isn't it your own fault that you have no 



molly's way 15 

prospects? Two weeks ago your Uncle Jack offered you a 
splendid position and salary and you gave it up. Why 

Jack. For your sake, because it meant going out west 
for six months. I couldn't go that far and leave you. 

Molly. Six months would soon pass, and then you'd be 
in a position to marry. Oh, it was foolish of you, Jack ! 
But won't he give you another chance? 

Jack. No, I'm sure he won't. He was furious at my 
refusing. He doesn't understand. 

Molly. I wish I could meet your uncle. I think I 
could make him understand. Isn't his office in that Burton 
Building on Broadway ? 

Jack. Yes. But what's the use of thinking of that? 
I'll get out and find something for myself. Here we've 
been engaged for two months — and it seems like a year. 

Molly. A year ! How very complimentary to me. 

Jack {hastily). A year in heaven 1 

Molly. Ah, that's better. Do you know, I dreamt of 
you last night. I dreamt we were married 

Jack. Molly ! 

Molly. Yes, and living in that dear little bungalow at 
Woodside. 

Jack. If I had twelve hundred dollars I'd buy that 
bungalow to-morrow. 

Molly. Why not to-day ? 

Jack. Yes, to-day. And we'd get married and go and 
live there and be happy forever and ever. 

Molly. How I'd love a bungalow. 

Jack. Then promise me 



Molly. No stairs to go up 

Jack. Listen, Molly 

Molly. No stairs to go down. And I could jump into 
the back yard from my bedroom window. 

Jack. Just you and I 

Molly. And into the front yard from the parlor. Oh, 
yes, we must, must live in a bungalow. 

Jack. Then persuade your father to let us marry. I'll 
borrow the money. 

Molly. It's no use, Jack. He won't hear of it. No 
wedding bells for me. 

Jack. We must do something. 

Molly. Oh, what can we do ? Oh, if I only had my 
way If only Laurie were engaged, even 



i6 molly's way 

Jack. Well, what about Philip Moore? 

Molly. Father would never hear of him, and anyway I 
believe Phil has gone back, on poor Laurie. 1 know he used 
to like her, but he has been away for over two months, and 
as far as 1 know he hasn't written to her. 

Jack. Why, 1 met him at the gate just now, 

Molly. You did ! Did he tell you he was in love with 
Laurie? 

Jack. No ; he asked me to lend him a hundred. 

Molly. Laurie is a dear girl. Fate ought to treat her 
kindly. 

Jack. Perhaps Fate needs a little assistance. 

Molly {sitting up suddenly). I have an idea. I think 
I could work it. Will you leave it to me? 

Jack. I'll leave everything to you ! 

Molly. Yes, let me have my own way in this. I'm 
tired of waiting. So are you. Jack, go down to the boat- 
house, and I will join you there in a little while. I — am 
expecting a caller. 

Jack. All right. But remember — no flirting. I'll cut 
across the lawn. 1 left my hat there. 

{Exit, L. c.) 

{Enter Philip, r.) 

Philip. Hello, Molly ! Did I leave a cigar case here? 

Molly. Oh, hello ! I dare say you did. I notice men 
are very forgetful. When did you get back ? 

Philip. Last night. Ah, here it is. {Picks up case.') 

Molly. Philip — I want to speak to you a minute. It 
seems to me only sisterly to tell you that Laurie thinks a 
great deal of you. 

Philip. Molly, are you sure of that? 

Molly. Reasonably sure. And Laurie is such a nice 
girl. She can cook {checking off on Jingers), play, sew 
buttons on shirts, sing, darn stockings and keep her 
temper. Oh, she's an angel. 

Philip. I'm so glad you appreciate her. But if I took 
her away — such a paragon — how could you get on without 
her? 

Molly. I'd do my best — if it was for her good. Oh, 
but you must think me a little hypocrite. Don't you sec. 



MOLLYS WAY I 7 

Phil ? Father won't let me be engaged even until Laurie is 
married, so the sooner she goes off the better for me. 

Philip. 1 see. Well, if you can, win over your father to 
think of me as you do. In the meantime — thanks for the 
hint. Good-bye, little sister. 

(^Exit Philip, l. c, laughing. Molly looks after him 
rather crestfallen.') 

Molly. He doesn't care for her after all ! 

{A knock R. c. Enter Charlie Cranston. He carries 
a candy box.) 

Charlie. Good-afternoon, Molly. 

Molly. Oh, Charlie ! You are the very person I was 
just longing to see. 

Charlie. I'm lucky. 

Molly. And what do you think ? I dreamt about you 
last night. 

Charlie {eagerly). You did ! What did you dream ? 

Molly {seeing the box). I dreamt you brought me a 
box of candy. 

Charlie {giving it). And here it is. 

Molly. Oh, thank you. I wish all my dreams would 
come true. {They sit together. Molly opens box.) 

Charlie. Perhaps I can make them come true. 

Molly. Perhaps you can. There is one specially — 
oh, it's a beautiful dream. {Sighs.) 

Charlie. Tell it to me, Molly. 

Molly {sighing). Oh, dear ! 

Charlie (taking her hand). Come, tell me what is 
worrying you. Perhaps I can help you. 

Molly. Yes, you might be able to. I will confide in 
you, Charlie. I'm quite unhappy. 

Charlie. Who's been annoying you? Just let me get 
hold of him. 

Molly. Nobody in particular. All my trouble is caused 
by the fact that Laurie is neither married nor engaged. 

Charlie. But why should you care? Don't you get on 
together? 

Molly. Oh, yes. It isn't that. But father won't hear 
of me getting married until Laurie is safely bestowed upon 
some one. Try one of these chocolates. They're great. 



i8 molly's way 

Charlie. And you — want to get married ? 

Molly. Yes, Jack and I. I suppose you guessed it. 

Charlie {gravely). Well, I knew you were good friends, 
but no, I can't say i guessed that, Molly. 

Molly {slyly). Now what can 1 do to get Laurie 
married ? 

Charlie. I hope you're not hinting, my dear little 
Molly. 

Molly. Laurie's an attractive girl. 

Charlie. I always thought so. 

Molly. And she makes the best waffles I ever tasted. 
The man who'll sit in front of a pile of those waffles at the 
breakfast table with Laurie pouring his coffee in a pink 
dimity is very lucky. 

Charlie. But so few men take their coffee in pink 
dimity. Now I prefer a cup myself. 

Molly. Do be serious, Charlie. 

Charlie. Well, then, seriously, I believe Phil Moore is 
in love with Laurie. 

Molly. Do you really think there is anything in that ? 
1 wish 1 knew. But Laurie never tells me anything. She's 
so reserved. But you're such an old friend of ours. She 
might confide in you. Try and pump her. 

Charlie. So you want me to find out if she's in love 
with Phil ? 

Molly. Yes. Have a peppermint. {Offers box.") 

Charlie. All right, I'll find out. But I'll have to go 
about it carefully. I think Laurie trusts me. Do you want 
me to find out to-day ? 

Molly. As early as possible. And then you'll stay 
and spend the evening with us, won't you? 

Charlie. Not to-night, thanks. I've promised to go 
and see some friends — the Waldens, who have recently 
moved here. I met them abroad. 

Molly. Ah ! Old ladies ? 

Charlie. The daughter isn't, {Smiles.) 

Molly. Dear me ! Pretty ? 

Charlie. Quite pretty. 

Molly. Ah — 1 see. Have a piece of nougat. ( Offers 
box.) Here comes Laurie. I'll go, and give you a fair 
field. But I'll come back in five minutes. 

{Exit Molly, doTvn L.) 



MOLLY S WAY I9 

(^Enter Laurie, r.) 

Laurie. Good-afternoon, Charlie. 

Charlie. How do you do, Laurie? I was just going 
to look for you. 

Laurie. To look for me, Charlie ? 

{^Gives her hand and smiles brightly.') 

Charlie. I'd like to speak to you for a moment. 
Laurie. Certainly. Of course it's about Molly, 

( They sit. ) 

Charlie, No, it's not about Molly this time. It's about 
you. Laurie, we've known each other for a good many 
years. And you know — you must know that I've always 
thought a great deal of you, Laurie — of you and Molly. 
I'd like to see you happy. 

Laurie {looking down). Thank you. But it is hard to 
be happy sometimes. 

Charlie, Confide in me, Laurie. Perhaps I can help 
you. 

Laurie. Oh, can you? 

Charlie. Let me try. Is there — some one you love? 
{Takes her hand.) May I 

Laurie. Oh, yes, there is. {Rises.) Poor Charlie ! 
I'm so sorry. I had no idea you thought of me in this way. 
You do me a great honor. 

Charlie. But, Laurie 

Laurie. Oh, I must be truthful even if I seem unkind. 
I cannot give you any hope. 

Charlie. You misunderstand me, Laurie 

{Enter Napoleon Alexander Brown, r. c.) 

Brown. Good-afternoon. This is Mr. Edward Mead- 
ows' house, is it not? May I speak with Miss Meadows? 

Laurie. I am Miss Meadows. 

Brown. Miss Laura Meadows ? 

Laurie. Yes, that is my name. 

Brown. Laura! It is you. And still " Miss," after all 
these years. {Goes to her precipitately.) Why, you don't 
look a day older than when we parted twenty years ago ! 

Laurie. I don't understand you, sir. Twenty years 
ago 1 was an infant. 



20 MOLLY S WAY 

Brown. But you are Miss Meadows — Miss Laura Mead- 
ows. And you don't remember me? 

Laurie. I have never seen you before in my life'. 

Brown. Incredible ! I, your old friend, Napoleon Alex- 
ander Brown ? 

(^Enter Mollv, l.) 

Molly. Oh, Mr. Brown ! Have you come back at 
last ? I'll go and find Aunt Laura. 

Brown. And who is this? 

Laurie. My sister Molly. Fancy your taking me for 
Aunt Laura. (^Laughs.^ You surely must have thought 
time had slopped for her. 

(^Laughs and talks with him. Charlie goes to Molly.) 

Molly. What did you find out, Charlie? 

Charlie. That it's better not to meddle in other people's 
affairs. Laurie thought 1 was proposing to her, and without 
giving nie a chance to explain, at once refused me. 

Molly. Laurie refused you ! Oh, the ungrateful girl ! 

Charlie. This is my first experience of the kind. 
(Smites.) But don't tell her. She feels sorry for me, and 
after all that's something. Now after making such a bril- 
liant blunder I think it's time for me to go. Good-bye. 

Molly. Oh, poor Charlie ! I'm sorry for you too. 
Good-bye. 

(Charlie /ooks back with mock tragedy and exits R. c.) 

Laurie. Yes, now I remember, sir, that my aunt has 
spoken of you. 

Molly. Of course she has. I knew your name at once. 
Here's Aunt Laura coming. I wonder if you will think her 
altered. 

{Enter Miss M., L. c.) 

Miss M. Molly, dear, your father and I couldn't wait 
for you. 

Brown. That voice ! ( Turns. Miss M. looks fixedly 
at him.') Am I addressing Miss Meadows? 

Miss M. Yes, I am Miss Mendows. 

Brown. At last! Still "Miss," after all these years. 
Oh, the fidelity of woman ! 



MOLLY S WAY 21 

Miss M. Who are you? (^Goes nearer.^ Napoleon 
Alexander Brown. I believe you have come back ! 

Brown. 1 have come back. 

Miss M. (extending both hands). Oh, Alexander ! 

Brown. My long lost Laura ! 

Miss M. 1 knew you would remain faithful to me. 
These are my nieces. They have heard me speak of you — 
perhaps not frequently, but always with respect. 

Brown. I have had the pleasure of meeting them al- 
ready. I am a married man, Laura. 

Miss M. {stepping back). Heavens ! Why did you not 
tell me this at first ? 

Brown (wiping his eyes with a scarlet handkerchief). 
And a widower. 

Miss M. Ah, that puts a different complexion on the 
matter. What is your profession, Alexander ? 

Brown. Oh, I am a musician. 

Miss M. A musician ? Have you any pupils ? 

Brown. No, I don't take pupils. 

Miss M. Oh, you only play at concerts. 

Brown. No — I — I play only to very limited audiences. 

Miss M. Classical music, I suppose. 

Brown. No, my own compositions. I make 'em up as 
I go along ; improvise, I think they call it. 

Miss M. Oh, Alexander, I always knew you were a 
genius. But do come and see my brother Edward. He'll 
be so pleased to meet you again. I assure you he has never 
forgotten you. 

[Exeunt L. c. Laurie and Molly run to door and look 
after them.) 

Laurie. So that's Aunt Laura's youthful romance come 
back in person. (Laughs.) 

Molly. Wouldn't it be funny if she married him — if she 
married before either of us? 

Laurie. It would be funny, but it's impossible — quite 
impossible. Poor, poor Charlie ! 

(Exit, R.) 

(Molly laughs and is still laughing when Jack enters L. c.) 

Jack. What's the joke, Molly? Have you been so suc- 
cessful that your spirits have gone away up? 

Molly. I haven't succeeded in doing one thing I want 



22 MOLLY S WAY 

to do. I'm afraid I shall be neither a bridesmaid nor a 
bride. {Stamps her foot. ~) Ah, if I liad my way ! 

Jack. You usually do, Molly. If you had your way 
now would you marry me, Molly ? 

Molly. Yes. 

Jack {eagerly). At once? 

Molly. How absurd ! Yes, I would, though. 

Jack. Come on, then ! 

Molly. You don't mean it ! 

Jack. I do. Elope with me — right now. Show them 
they can't put us off indefinitely this way. 

Molly {after a pause). Oh, Jack, I believe I will. But 
father 

Jack. Your father will forgive us. And Aunt Laura 
is on our side. She told me herself her sympathies are 
with us. 

Molly. And they ought to be more than ever with us, 
because her old friend Mr. Napoleon Alexander Brown has 
come back, and I wouldn't be surprised if she marries him. 

Jack. So he's come back ? Upon my word ! That may 
help or it may hinder our plans. But if we wait for Laurie 
we may wait a hundred and twenty years. 

Molly. It looks like it. 

Jack. Come, Molly. There's no time like the present. 

Molly. What are we going to live on ? 

Jack. You ask me that ? And I love you so. 

Molly. It was heartless of me. Forgive me, Jack. 
Yes {lookifig around furtively), I'll go with you. I see no 
other way out. Wait until I get some things — no, go and 
bring the car out of the garage while I'm getting ready. 

Jack. Your father's car? Oh, I hardly like to do that. 

Molly. Aren't you taking father's property when you 
take me, and the most valuable thing he has? You can't 
replace me, but you can buy an automobile any day — if you 
have the money. And we'll return it when empty. 

Jack. But honestly, Molly, I don't know very much 
about motors. I hate to admit it, but 

Molly. Then it's time you learned. I'll show you how 
to run it. The runabout is all smashed — some idiot who 
didn't know the first thing about driving a car took it out a 
few days ago. 

Jack. Yes, he didn't know any more about them than 
I do. 



molly's way 23 

Molly. So we'll have to take the touring car. We can 
nioior to New York and bring it back to-morrow when we're 
married. Won't it be fun ? Hurry up. Jack. Put on fa- 
tlier's dust-coat j you'll find it in the car, I think. 

Jack. Well, if I'm to take you and the touring car I 
won't draw the line at a dust-coat. 

{Exit, R. c. Exit Molly, l.) 

(^Enter Mr. M. and Miss M., l. c. They come down c.) 

Mr. M. Laura, this is very strange — Alexander Brown 
turning up again. 

Miss M. It seems like Fate, Edward. 

Mr. M. He appears to be — well, not very heavily laden 
with this world's goods. 

Miss M. Geniuses never make money. One can't ex- 
pect it. He is a composer, you know. 

Mr. M. Would you like to ask him to dinner, my dear? 

Miss M. Oh, very much, Edward. 

Mr. M. He looks as if a dinner would do him good. 
Where is he ? 

Miss M. Sitting under the trees in the garden. I think 
he would appreciate an invitation from you, Edward. 

Mr. M. Very well. I'll go and ask him. And how do 
you think he'd like a motor ride afterward ? He looks as if 
he'd never been in a motor. 

Miss M. It's very kind of you. That would be too 
charming. 

Mr. M. Ask Laurie to go out and tell John to have the 
car ready in an hour, then. 

(^Exit Miss M., r., andM.v^. M., l. c.) 

(Enter Molly, l. Reenter Jack wearing motor coat and 
cap. Molly wears long motor coat and veil and carries 
a large piece of paper cardboard under her arm.) 

Molly. Jack, I'm all ready. Where is the car? 

Jack.. Hush, I took it down the road a piece, so no one 
will see us. What's that you've got? 

Molly. It's a note. It's the proper thing to leave a 
note. Eloping couples always do — at least the girl does. 

(J^ifis note to table-cover R. so it is visible to audience.') 



24 MOLLY S WAY 

Jack. You hardly need to issue a public proclamation, 
you know. {Reads aloud.') 

" Jack and I Have 
Eloped to New York. 

" Molly." 

Molly. I couldn't bear to go without giving them some 
kind of clue. They'd be so worried. 

Jack. They won't catch us. Now, darling, where are 
your other things ? 

Molly. What other things ? 

Jack. Why, it's customary, it's quite usual, I believe, for 
brides to have some clothes, something in a toilet bag, a hair 
brush or a button-hook 

Molly. Oh, I don't need a button-hook. I can buy 
anything I really need in New York. 

Jack. Well, come then. We must get there and be 
married before dinner. 

Molly. Good-bye, my old home. When next I see 
you my name won't be Molly Meadows. 

{Exeunt, r. c.) 

{Enter Miss M., r.) 

Miss M. Molly ! — Oh, I thought I heard Molly here. 
Where is she, I wonder ? {Goes l.) 

{Enter Laurie, r.) 

Laurie. Father ! Father ! Oh, Aunt Laura ! What 
do you think ? 

Miss M. What is it, Laurie? 

Laurie. I went out to the garage to tell John about the 
motor, and it's gone. 

Miss M. Gone — the touring car ? Then John must 
have taken it out. 

Laurie. No, John's there. He seemed perfectly aston- 
ished. He says some one has stolen it. 

Miss M. This is dreadful. But possibly your father, 
not seeing John around, may have taken it out himself. 
I'll ask him. 

Laurie {seem^ card on table-cover). What's this ? Oh, 
Aunt Laura, look, look ! " Jack and I have eloped. Molly." 

Miss M. Eloped. Our little Molly. Never. Oh, vA\ 
your father. Ring the bell. (Lauuie rings bell frantic- 



MOLLY S WAY 25 

ally, L. c.) Whom has she gone with? Jack How 

dare he ? Give me that card, Laurie. Let me read it again, 
liCt me make sure. Yes, here it is. " Jack and I have 
eloped to New Yorlt. Molly." {Sits down heavily.') 

(^Enter Brown, l. c. Miss M. runs to him.) 

Miss M. (^frantically). Oh, Alexander, have you seen 
Molly? 

Brown. Yes. 

Miss M. When ? Where ? Tell me, quick. 

Bkown. Here in this room, not long ago. 

Miss M. But not since then? 

Brown. Oh, no. 

(Miss M. sits dowti again.) 

{Enter Mr. M., l. c.) 

Mr. M. Laura, my touring car is stolen — my best and 
most expensive motor ! 

Miss M. And your youngest child. 

Mr. M. What ! 

Laurie (showing card). Look, look ! [He seizes it.) 

Mr. M. "Jack and I have eloped to New York. 
Molly." The scoundrel ! I should never have trusted him. 
How dare he abuse my confidence, my hospitality ? My 
sweet Molly ! 

Miss M. I see it all now. They've eloped in the tour- 
ing car. 

Mr. M. That boy in a sixty horse power machine ! 
Think of it ! And he doesn't know the first thing about 
motors. I'll go after them at once. 

Miss M. I'll go with you. 

Laurie. And L We can take the train to Long Island 
City and hire a motor there. 

Miss M. Come, Alexander, you'll not desert us? 

Brown. No, I'd like a motor ride. 

Mr. M. My motor car's gone. Molly's gone. Jack's 
gone. Everything's gone. This is Molly's doing, 'i'hat 
young' Lawrence never would have had the spunk to think 
of it. Wait till I catch Molly. I'll show her ! Come on ! 

(^Exit, R. c, followed by others.) 
curtain 



ACT 11 

SCENE. — Parlor m Mrs. Walden's house. Time, the 
same evening. 

(Ruth Walden discovered at rise benditig over table, on 
■which she arranges flowers in vase. Takes a bracelet 
and card from box.') 

Ruth. Oh! {Reads card.) " From mother. Many happy 
returns of the day." {Slips bracelet on arm, picks tip book 
and reads.) "Miss Ruth Walden, with the compliments 
of Charles Cranston." Charles Cranston. {Musingly.) 
Mrs. Charles Cranston. 

{Enter Mrs. Walden, l. Ruth starts and puts down 

book.) 

Mrs. Walden. So you have found your presents, Ruth ? 

{Comes down c.,) 

Ruth. Oh, mother, such a lovely bracelet ! Just what 
I wanted. Thank you a thousand times ! And the flowers 
are from Aunt Mary. And see, here is a book from Mr. 
Cjanston. 

Mrs. W. And five birthday letters this morning. I 
think you have done very well. Did I hear you say Mr. 
Cranston was coming to-night ? 

Ruth. He said he would come to-night, if we were set- 
tled. Of course I said we should be. 

Mrs. W. I'm glad I finished this room at any rate, but 
we haven't put the dining-room curtains up yet. 

Ruth. Never mind. Men never notice those things. 
Besides, I've found some lovely pink tulle for the center of 
the table and I'll put lilies of the valley in little silver vases 
all around. Oh, I feel as if something is going to happen 
to-night, something romantic and unexpected. 

Mrs. W. Because it is your birthday, foolish child. 

Ruth. Well, partly. I always feel more important on 
my birthday. 

26 



MOLLY S WAY l"] 

Mrs. W. That is natural. I remember when I did too, 
tliough it seems a long time ago. 

Ruth. Sit down, mother. 1 want to show you some- 
thing. {TJiey sit on lounge.') When I was looking for the 
tulle in that old bureau i dropped a package of dusty old 
cards, and in picking them up I found this. [Gives card.) 

Mrs. VV. (reading). Mr. Edward J. Meadows. 

Ruth. But look on the back. That was what aroused 
my curiosity. 

Mrs. W. [reading on back). " With best wishes to 
Rosetta on her birthday, from Edward." [Drops card.) 
Oh, my dear, what old, old memories this calls up ! 

Ruth. Was he an old friend of yours, mother? 

Mrs. W. Yes, and his sister also. As a girl I spent 
many happy days at their home, Meadowlands. It's about 
ten miles from here. 

Ruth, Oh, mother, how nice ! Perhaps they'll come 
over to see us. 

Mrs. W. It's not likely. I haven't seen them for years. 
I fancy we quarreled — yes, we did, and about an old 
fence. 

Ruth. About a fence? I can't imagine you quarreling 
about such a trifle, mother. 

Mrs. W. But it wasn't a trifle. It was a very substan- 
tial fence built to last for years, and I dare say it's there yet. 
There was a dispute about the boundary line which Mr. 
Moore won in a lawsuit. Mr. Meadows took it very much 
to heart. Some things I said incensed Laura and her 
brother. We drifted apart and Edward married soon after, 
I've never seen them since. 

Ruth. And what about his neighbor, Mr. Moore ? 

Mrs. W. The two old gentlemen died without forgiving 
one another, and the sons will probably do the same. 

{The door-hell rings. Mrs. W. opens door r., admitting 
Charlie. Ruth goes to table and buries her face in the 
floivers.) 

Charlie. Good-afternoon, Mrs. Walden. Is Miss Ruth 
at home ? 

Mrs. W. Yes ; come in, Mr. Cranston. Ruth 

(Charlie comes doivn c.) 

Ruth [turning). How do you do, Mr. Cranston? 



28 molly's way 

Thank you so much for your kind remembrance of my birth- 
day. It was quite a surprise. 

Chaulie. Oh, it's just a trifle, Miss Ruth. I hope 
you'll enjoy the story and many, many more birthdays. 

Ruth. Won't you stay to dmner, Mr. Cranston? 

Charlie. Thank you; but I'm afraid that would be im- 
posing upon your good nature. You're not settled yet. 

Mrs. W. Oh, one can do a good deal in three days, and 
we're fairly well settled down-stairs. So do stay. 

Charlie. Well, then, I'll be delighted. 

Mrs. W. Then if you will excuse me, I shall leave Ruth 
to entertain you for a few minutes. 

(^Exit, L.) ' 

Ruth. Our piano hasn't come yet, or I'd play some- 
thing for you. Let's sit at the window and watch the auto- 
mobiles go past. 

{Both go to witidow.^ 

Charlie. Is it a favorite amusement of yours ? 

Ruth. Oh, no. I haven't had much time to look out 
of the window; we've been too busy. And all would be 
strangers to me. They would remind me that I am a new 
arrival in this neighborhood. 

{^They sit by witidow.') 

Charlie. I suppose you miss your friends. But you'll 
soon make new ones. 

Ruth. Indeed I do miss them. {Auto horn is heard!) 
Here's a motor now. It's a gray car. There's an elderly 
man driving. He's rather careful. 

Charlie. Quite, but he made a lot of dust. 

Ruth. Here's another coming. Oh, it's just a little 
runabout. 

Charlie. Do you despise the little ones ? 

{An auto horji heard.) 

Ruth. Oh, no, but I like big things best. 
Charlie. Big houses, I suppose, and big incomes. 
Ruth. I'm not unhappy, if I don't own them. But 
big things give one the idea of strength, don't they? 
Charlie. Yes, and big fortunes are a power. 



MOLLY S WAY 2<) 

Ruth. But I'm not mercenary. 

Charlie. Then you wouldn't mind living in a cottages, 
a modern cottage, of course, with all conveniences, as they 
say ? 

Ruth. It would depend upon whom I lived with. 

Chaklie. There's another — a red car. 

Ruth. " Oh, it's a beauty. I do love a bright red. 

Charlie. By Jove, they're taking that hill at a reckless 
pace. They'd better look out for the old horse and buggy 
at the bottom. 

Ruth. They're simply flying. There are two people in 
it — a man and a girl. (^Springs to her feet.') 

Charlie. What's the matter? {The motor horn is 
sounded quickly several times.') Good heavens, they'll run 
into that rig ! {Rises excitedly.) 

Ruth {clutching Charlie's arm). Oh, stop them ! 
Help ! They'll all be killed ! (Screams. The horn is blown 
and shouts and cries are heard off c.) Oh, she jumped — 
the girl jumped ! 

Charlie. Whew ! That's the closest shave I ever saw. 
They just cleared that horse by an inch, and then only by 
ditching the machine. That driver's a young fool, but he 
kept his wits. 

Ruth. I wonder if the girl is hurt. No, she is standing 
up. Now he's scolding her for jumping. You may be 
sure they're married, or he would never dare, when it was 
all his fault. The brute ! 

Charlie. It seems to me that she is quite able to de- 
fend herself. She's giving it to him. 

Ruth. He deserves it. Oh, Charlie, she is limping. I 
beg your pardon. I called you Charlie by mistake. 

Charlie {^fervently). Oh, please don't beg my pardon. 
I wish you would alvyays call me Charlie. Won't you? 

Ruth. If you really like it better. 

Charlie. I do. And may I call you {Suddenly.) 

By Jove, it's Molly ! 

Ruth. Molly? Who is Molly? 

Charlie. Who is Molly? Why, there's only one Molly 
— the charming Molly Meadows. That idiot Jack Law- 
rence is with her. It's Mr. Meadows' car, I know it well. 

Ruth. She is leaning on his arm. She can't walk. I'll 
tell her to come in here. {Leans out of window or goes to 
door R. a7id speaks earnestly : " /'»/ afraid you're huit. 



30 MOLLY S WAY 

Won't you come in ? ") Yes, she is coming. She thanked 
me so sweetly, and with the loveliest smile. 

(^Goes to door r.) 

{Enter Molly, limping, her hat tilted over one ear.) 

Molly. It's so good of you to ask me in. 

Ruth. I'm afraid you're hurt. Let me help you. 

(They come down c.) 

Molly. I've twisted my ankle, I think. Why, hello, 
Charlie ! 

Charlie. Molly, this is too bad. (Assists her to sofa R.) 

Molly. Won't you introduce me? 

Charlie. Certainly. Miss Meadows, Miss Walden. 

Ruth. I have heard of you, Miss Meadows. 

Molly. Have you ? I think I can guess from whom. 
Charlie, would you mind untying my shoe? 

Ruth. No, you're wrong. You haven't guessed right. 

(Charlie stoops and unties shoe.) 

Charlie. There, is that easier? 
Molly. Thank you, Charlie. 

(Enter Mrs. W., l.) 

Mrs. W. Ruth, there's been an accident. 

Ruth. Yes, mother. This is Miss Meadows ; she was 
in it. 

Mrs. W. Miss Meadows ! 

Molly (offering hand). I can't get up; I'm afraid I've 
hurt my foot. 

Mrs. W. Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me look at it. 

(Bends over foot. Ruth at back of chair.) 

Ruth. Won't you take off your hat, Miss Meadows ? 

(Molly removes hat and veil. Rutb. places them on desk.) 

Molly. I wonder where Jack is. Why doesn't he come? 

(Charlie goes to windoiv.) 

Charlie. He can't come yet. He is being interviewed 
by a police officer. It looks very interesting. 



molly's way 31 

Mrs. W. How unfortunate to have had this happen ! I 
suppose you were just out for a little spin. 

Molly. Yes, we were going to spin on to New York 
and get married. Spin in haste and unravel at leisure. 

Ruth (awed^. Were you — eloping? 

Molly. Yes, that's exactly what we were doing. 

Charlie. Jack is coming. 

Mrs. VV. Let nie bathe your foot for you. 

Molly. No, please don't mind. It's all right now that 
I have my shoe off. 

{Enter Jack, R.) 

Jack. Molly ! (^Cotties down r.) Does your foot hurt 
much ? 

Molly. Jack, this is Mrs. Walden, and Miss Walden. 
They have been so kind. What kept you, Jack? 

(Charlie cofnes down c.) 

Jack. I was just being arrested. 

Molly. Oh, is that all? 

Jack. A policeman came up on horseback and took my 
name and the number of the car. 

Charlie. What is the charge? Kidnapping? 

Jack {looking daggers at hini). Speeding. 

Molly. If we end up in the police court that will be 
the limit. {Laughs.} 

Ruth. How can you laugh ? 

Molly. Oh, Jack, the way of the eloper is hard. 

Mrs. W. Surely your good kind father 

Molly. You don't know him. He won't consent 
at all. 

Mrs. W. {looking at ]\ck.). But why 

Molly. Because ray older sister Laurie is still un- 
married. That is his only reason, but he gives it as if it 
were really a good one. I've tried to get her married, but 
I've failed. 

Charlie. So have L 

(Ruth looks in astonishment at Charlie.) 

Molly. Then, as there seemed nothing else to do, we 
eloped. Jack, is the car disabled ? 



32 



MOLLY S WAY 



Jack. Not even scratched. I just ditched her in time. 

Molly. Get her out of the diich and we'll go on to 
New York. 

Mrs. VV. Oh, think, my dear child, wliat you are 
doing. 

Jack. There's no time to lose. 

Molly (t-isi/ig ami limping). I'm coming. 

Mrs. VV. Oh, Miss Meadows, let me persuade you to 
think first, to reflect 

(A loud ring &. Excited voices are heard off stage.) 

Molly. What's that ? 

(Ruth runs and opens door, R. Enter Mr. M.) 

Mr. M. She's here, my child is here. (^Coines down c) 
Of course I knew my own motor at once. 
Molly {calmly). Well, father. 

{Enter Laurie and Miss M., r.) 

Mr. M. Molly is here. {Takes her in his arms.') 

Laurie (coming down c). Molly ! 

Miss M. Here's the runaway. 

Mrs. VV. {lo Ruth). Edward Meadows ! How changed 
he is ! 

Mr. M. Where's the scoundrel who took you off? 

Jack (r., standing up). I'm the guilty party, Mr. 
Meadows. 

(Laurie goes to Molly.) 

Mr. M. What do you mean, sir, by running away willi 
my daughter, and in my new motor ? You have behaved 
infamously. {Looks around, sees Charlie.) What, are 
you in this, too? And these ladies, have they connived at 
this romantic elopement? 

Mrs. W. (l.). Oh, believe me 

Molly. I never saw them before to-day. And Charlie 
is perfectly innocent. We had an accident. 

Mr. M. An accident ! Are you hurt ? 

Molly. A little, in my foot. It hurts when I am con- 
tradicted. 



MOLLY S WAY 33 

Mr. M. [to Jack). So this is your work? 

Jack (r.). Yes. I admit I'm in the wrong. I should 
never have persuaded Molly to elope. Whatever else may 
be said about it an elopement is an underhand act. But we 
wanted to be married, and we were tired of waiting for 
what seemed an unlikely- {Looks ai Laurie.) 

Laurie. Really, Jack ! 

Jack. Or I should say a much postponed event. And 
do you think, sir, it is just to make us wait for some one 
else? Will you give your consent now to Molly's marrying 
me ? 

Mr. M. No, I will not. I have my own methods, and 
I will not submit to be criticized by you, sir. 

Jack. Sir, do you wish to force us to the other 
alternative ? 

Mr. M. No, you can wait. 

Molly. Poor Jack ! It's hard luck. And right after 
being arrested, too. 

Laurie. Arrested? Oh, Jack ! 

Mr. M. (c). The graceless scamp. Serves him right. 

Molly {sighing). 1 seem to do nothing but get people 
into trouble. 

Miss M. Yes, your folly is responsible for this. 

Molly. Bad, disgraceful little Molly. Everything she 
does is folly. 

Mrs. VV. {going to Mr. M., c). You don't remember 
me, Edward — Mrs. Walden. 

Mr. M. Mrs. Walden? No, I'm afraid I have a poor 
memory. But wait a moment. You're very like some one 
I used to know years ago. Oh, impossible 1 You couldn't 
— cannot be Rosetta Lewis. 

Mrs. W. I was Rosetta Lewis. 

Mr. M. Rosetta ! {Takes her hands.) Bless my soul ! 
Is this so ? Why, it's years ago. 

Miss M. {going to her). Rosetta, don't you know me? 

Mrs. VV. Why, Laura, of course. {They embrace.) 

Mr. M. This is an extraordinary meeting. It's like 
going back twenty-five years. Rosetta Lewis ! Well, well, 
well ! 

Mrs. W. Then you haven't altogether forgotten those 
old days, Edward? And you, Laura? 

Miss M. Rosetta, I have been thinking of yoii quite 
recently. Partly, I think, because a very old friend of mine 



34 MOLLY S WAY 

turned up to-day, partly because we were speaking of some- 
thing — wliich recalled you. And is this young lady 

Mks. VV. My daughter Ruth. 

Mr. M. Your daughter? {Looks at her.) Yes, you 
are like your mother. And yet you're not as much like her 
as she was I mean, she was different. 

Ruth (l., laughifig). Yes, 1 have always heard mother 
was very pretty, so of course I'm not like her. 

Mr. M. No, no, I didn't mean that. 1 had no idea you 
were living in this neighborhood. 

Mrs. VV. We've only been here three days. 

Mr. M. But, Molly, how do you account for being here? 

Molly. Through pure charity. Miss Walden thought 
I was injured and she asked me in. 

(Miss M. goes to wmdow and looks out, waving hand from 
time to tifne ; Mr. M. up stage pacing back and forth.) 

Mrs. W. Now you'll all stay to dinner and help celebrate 
Ruth's birthday. Oh, don't refuse. 

Mr. M. Impossible. 

Ruth. Please do stay — everybody. 

Molly. Is this your birthday ? 

Ruth. Yes. I am eighteen to-day. 

Molly. Mine will be next week, and I shall be twenty 
then. 

Mrs. W. You are far too young to marry, my dear. I 
wouldn't hear of Ruth getting married for years, 

Ruth. Oh, mother ! 

Charlie (l.). But, Mrs. Walden 

(Ruth looks down demurely. Laurie and Molly stare 
at Charlie.) 

Miss M. I left a friend outside. He accompanied us, 
but would not come in. 

Mrs. W. Perhaps I could persuade him. Any friend 
of yours is welcome, Laura. 

Miss M. No, he is quite obdurate. But if I wave my 
hand to him occasionally he vvon't be lonely. 

( Waves hand, and repeats this at intervals.) 

Molly. Now that we're all rested don't you think we 
had better go on to New York ? 



MOLLY S WAY 



35 



Jack. Why, Molly ! 

Molly. And father will come with us, of course. And 
Laurie and Miss Ruth. 

Jack. Oh, let's take the whole town. 

Mr. M. Molly ! You will come home with me and stay 
there. 

Molly. Until Laurie is married ? 

Laurie. Or dead. Why can't you leave me out of it? 
I'm tired of being told I am the cause of all your troubles, 
Molly. 

Molly. Oh, it's not your fault, Laurie. It's mine, 
mine, mine. 

Miss M. Oh, don't let us have a scene. 

Mr. M. When Jack has shown that he is capable of 
looking after you -^ 

Jack. Give me a fair show, sir. 

{A ring R. Ruth goes to door and takes in envelope.') 

Mr. M. We'll see, we'll see ! 

Ruth. For Mr. Lawrence. 

Jack. A summons. {Takes paper.) Thank you. 

Mr. M. Ah, you're beginning brilliantly. A summons 
to appear in the police court. 

Jack {opening it). For exceeding the speed limit. 
Why, I wasn't going more than five miles an hour. 

Charlie. That's what they all say ! But down that 
hill, Jack. Whew ! 

Jack. I'd like to punch his head. 

{Throws paper on table.) 

Molly {going to him). Oh, Jack, will they put you in 
jail? 

Jack [gloomily). Quite likely. 

Molly. Then I'll go with you. 

Mr. M. Nonsense ! They'll fine him, and serve him 
right. {Telephone rings off i..) 

Ruth. There's the telephone. I'll go, mother. 

{Exit, L.) 

Mr. M. Don't expect me to pay your fine, sir. 
Jack {haughtily). I don't expect it. I've got fifteen 
dollars of my own. 



36 molly's way 

Mr. M. Come, Molly. 

Molly. My place is with Jack. 

Mrs. W. What spirit she has ! 

Mr. M. Don't you dispute my authority, miss. I am 
surprised at you. Look at your sister Laurie ; her obedience, 
her docility should be an example to you. 

Laurie. Oh, father ! 

{Reenter Ruth, l.) 

Ruth. Miss Laura Meadows is wanted at the telephone. 
They tried to get you at home, and then they tried two or 
three of your friends, and finally Mrs. Armstrong, next door. 
She told them she saw you come in here. I think it is im- 
portant. 

Laukie. I'll go at once. Excuse me. 

{Exit, l.) 

Mr. M. Yes, Molly. When have you seen Laurie other 
than obedient and respectful ? You are nearly three years 
younger. I expect you to be guided by her. 

Miss M. Your father is right, Molly. If Laurie were 
married it would be quite a different matter. Even if 1 were 
married it might change things. 

(^Goes to window and waves hand, smiling.^ 

Mrs. W. Won't your friend come in? 
Miss M. He seems rather bashful — one of those gentle, 
retiring spirits. Men of genius are often like that. 
Mrs. W. a genius? What does he do? 
Miss M. He is a musician — a composer. 

(Reenter Laurie, l., in great agitation.) 

Laurie (c). Oh, father, I must go at once. I have 
had bad news. There has been an accident. 

Miss M. Another accident ! Who has been hurt ? 

Laurie. Philip. He was thrown from his horse. They 
took him home and — he is unconscious. I must go. 

Mr. M. No, you shall not go, Laurie. Have you taken 
leave of your senses ? You know that I have forbidden you 
to speak to Philip Moore. 

Laurie. Oh, that doesn't matter. He is hurt^ — you 
don't understand. 



MOLLY S WAY 



37 



Mr. M. I tell you I forbid it. Your place is at home 
wiili me. 

Laurie. Let me go, father. My place is with Philip, 
with my husband. 

Mr. M. {starting back). Your husband ! 

Molly. Her husband ! Then you are married ! 

Laurie. Yes, we have been married for over two 
months. (Mr. M. drops into a chair.) Oh, forgive me, 
father. I must go to him. He is injured, perhaps seriously. 

Molly. Why didn't you tell me this, Laurie? 

Laurie. I meant to, but I was afraid, and I kept putting 
it off. Oh, I mustn't delay any longer. Charlie, will you 
drive me there? I saw your car outside. Please. 

Charlie. Of course I will, Laurie. Come, we won't lose 
any time. {To Ruth.) I'll be back to-night. 

{Exeunt Charlie a7id Laurie, r.) 

Molly. Who would have dreamed of Laurie doing such 
a thing ? 

Miss M. It is inconceivable. 

{Goes to window and beckons.') 

Molly. Her obedience, her docility. {Laughs.) Oh, 
Laurie, Laurie ! 

{Motor horn heard off r., diminishing as though going 
away. ) 

Mr. M. I shall never forgive her. 

Mrs. W. Oh, Edward ! 

Miss L. He is coming, my friend is coming. 

(Ruth goes to door r.) 

Mr. M. (l.). No, I can't forgive her. 
Miss M. (l.). We all have our disappointments, 
Edward. 

{Enter Brown, r.) 

Ruth. Mother, here's the piano tuner, but our piano 
hasn't come yet. 

Miss M. Piano tuner ! Why, he's my friend, Mr. Na- 
poleon Alexander Brown. 

Ruth. I — I never knew his name. 



38 molly's way 

Miss M. Do you tune pianos ? Tell me the truth, Alex- 
ander. Is that what you meant when you said you were a 
musician ? 

Bkown. It is, Laura. I said I played my own compo- 
sitions, and that I made them up as I went along. That's 
quite true. 

Miss M. Oh, you have deceived me ! I cannot forgive 
you. (^Drops on sofa and holds handkerchief to eyes.^ 

BuowN. Laura ! 

Miss M. Never ! 

(Brown drops into a chair, r., and holds his head in his 
hands. ^ 

Jack (beside Molly). Laurie married ! That means 
liberty for us. 

Molly. Yes. {Goes to Mr. M.) Father, you know 
what you said. And now that Laurie is married you'll give 
your consent 

Mr. M. (jumpins; uf). Laurie married ! But she's not 
married. No, no — to Sam Moore's son ! It is insufferable. 
I can't — I won't look upon her as his wife! I shall never 
forgive her ! 

{Exit, R.) 

Molly. Then it's up to me to do something. I'll find 
a way out. {Pats on hat and ties on veil with a business- 
like air. Jack goes to her.) No, not with you. Jack, this 
time. All alone. It's only a step to the station. I'll write 
you, Jack. 

Miss M. {sharply'). Where are you going? 

Molly. Somewhere else. It's not very cheerful here. 
(Brown groans.) Expect me back in three days. 

Tack ) * 

Miss M. [ ^^^'^^^^"S «/)• Three days ! 

Molly {going r.). I have a fancy to visit an old school- 
friend. Don't worry. 

Jack. Molly ! 

Molly. Good-bye, Jack. Don't follow me. Good-bye, 
everybody. I'll find a way. 

{Exit Molly, r., still limping a little.) 



CURTAIN 



ACT III 

SCENE. — Sa7Tie as Act I. Time, three days later. 

{Upon rise Miss M. enters carryiiig a large iced cake. She 
puts it on table, l., a7id looks at it on one side, theti ati- 
other, finally covering it with a white napkin. Takes a 
letter from pocket and reads it. Enter LaURIE, L. C. 
She comes rather timidly into the room.') 

Laurie. Aunt Laura ! 

Miss M. Oh, Laurie, my dear girl ! (^Embraces her.') 

Laurie. I just slipped across to see you for a minute. 

Miss M. Oh, Laurie, how strange it is to think of you 
living next door. 

Laurie. It's so convenient. I — I came through a hole 
in the fence. 

Miss M. Oh, that boundary fence ! {Looks off through 
door L. c. and sighs.) It has been the cause of so much 
unhappiness. {With energy.) I'd like to chop it down! 
Well, have you heard from Molly ? 

Laurie. Yes, I had a letter. But she said nothing ex- 
cept that she was coming home to-day and wanted Phil and 
me to come over. 

Miss M. There was no news in mine, either, and I 
should have been worried if Jack hadn't been over the day 
before yesterday and said we had no cause to be uneasy. 
He seemed highly delighted, and kept saying, " It'll be all 
right. Molly is bound to succeed." But her father is 
annoyed. 

Laurie. Do you think father will ever — forgive me? 

Miss M. I don't know. He didn't mention your name 
until at breakfast this morning, when he said — what do you 
think ? 

Laurie {eagerly). What ? 

Miss M. "I miss Laurie's waffles." But don't be too 
hopeful. It just seemed to slip out. You know you've 
been very disobedient. 

Laurie {with dignity). Aunt Laura, I am a married 
woman ! 

Miss M. Well, well — how is Philip? 

39 



40 MOLLY S WAY 

Laurie. Much better. 

Miss M. Was he really badly hurt ? 

Laurie. His arm was hurt, and he has a bad cut over 
his left eyebrow. The doctor put in six stitches. But I 
think it will heal without leaving a scar. I expected father 
to show a httle sympathy. Philip might have been killed, 
for all he knew. 

Miss M. Hush ; you mustn't tell, for your father would 
be most annoyed with me, but he sent John over yesterday 
to ask your gardener how Philip was getting on. 

Laurie. Oh, he does care ! 

Miss M. But don't imagine he has forgiven you, my 
dear. I can't hold out any hope of that. 

Laurie. I know, 1 know. I wish Molly could do some- 
thing. I wonder if she will really come to-day. 

Miss M. Oh, she must. Why, it's her birthday. See 
what I've prepared. {Shows cake.) Isn't that a beauty? 

Laurie. Lovely. I'd like to taste it. 

Miss M. No, you must wait. (^Re-covers ii.) 

Laurie. Aunt Laura, have you seen anything more of 
your old friend Mr. Napoleon Alexander Brown ? 

Miss M. Don't speak of him, Laurie. I don't wish to 
see him or hear of him again. I haven't laid eyes on him 
since he confessed himself a piano tuner. 

Laurie. A piano tuner ! When did you find that out? 

Miss M. At the Waldens' the other day after you had 
gone. Think how I've been deceived ! 

Laurie. But after all, it's an honest trade. When you 
see him again 

Miss M. I shall never see him again — never ! 

Laurie. Never's a long time, auntie. Cheer up. Well, 
I'm going back through the hole in that awful fence, but 
we'll be here at five o'clock without fail. 

{Exit, L. C. Miss M. ^oes to table, looks at cake and re- 
cotters it hastily as she hears a step.) 

{Enter Brown, r. c. He has afresh flower in his button- 
hole, tvears an old silk hat, and carries some flowers iti 
his hand.) 

Brown. Laura ! {She turns her hack. Brown comes 
doivn c.) Oh, Laura, if you but knew how you had made 
me suffer ! 



MOLLYS WAY 4 1 

Miss M. {turning suddenly). I made you suffer ! Well, 
that's good. Of all the ironic statements ! Napoleon Alex- 
ander Brown, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You 
don't live up to your name at all. 

Brown. What have 1 done, Laura, to turn such a gen- 
tle, amiable woman, a household angel, I may say, into an 
accusing Katherine ? 

Miss M. It's all very well for you to take that attitude, 
Alexander, but you have deceived me basely. 

Brown. I deceived you, Laura ? Never. That is — not 
intentionally. My language perhaps was misleading. I 
did not periiaps choose the right word. . 

Miss M. 1 have lost faith in you, Alexander. 

Brown (^sadly). And I have always kept my faith in 
you, Laura. Will you accept these flowers as a little token 
of my regard ? 

Miss M. I don't wish to be too hard on you, Alexander. 
{Takes flowers.) What beautiful flowers ! They are like 
nothing we grow at Meadovvlands. 

Brown. Strange 1 For I picked them just outside the 
door. 

Miss M. What ? You 

Brown. I did not intend coming again, but the letter 
changed my plans. 

Miss M. What letter ? 

Bkown. Why, the letter I received telling me to be here 
to-day at five without fail. Did you not write it ? 

Miss M. Certainly not. Where is it? 

Brown. I have it with me. {Shows letter.) 

Miss M. Molly's writing. She is very fond of writing 
letters. It is a little way of hers to arrange other people's 
affairs. 

Brown. Perhaps you would rather I did not stay. 

Miss M. No, you must stay now that you have come on 
purpose. 

Brown {going up c). The world is very hard. 

Miss M. Alexander — please stay. 

Brown {returtiing to her). The world is hard, but I 
look for sympathy from the woman I love. 

Miss M. Love — you love? 

Brown {dropping on his knees). I love you only, 
Laura. {Takes her hand.) As i always did. Will you 
marrv me ? 



42 MOLLY S WAY 

{E7iter Jack, r. c.) 
Jack. Aunt Laura, a letter from Molly to-day. 
{Waves letter, ^v^o^-a jumps up.) 

Brown. Confound that boy ! 

Jack. Oh, I beg your pardon ! I'm sorry. 

Miss M. Don't go, Jack. I — we — you know Mr. Na- 
poleon Alexander Brown and I are very old friends. 

Jack. • Of course. 

Brown. And in case our young friend might misinterpret 
the position in which he found us when he entered so unex- 
pectedly 

Jack. My fault, I know. I should have knocked. 

Brown. I will explain to him frankly and as man to 
man, that I was in that apparently humble attitude for the 
purpose of offering my hand to this lady, Miss Laura 
Meadows. 

Jack. Oh, then I'll go. But I just want to say, Aunt 
Laura, that in my opinion everybody should marry. Now 
I'm off to the train to meet Molly. 

{^Exit, R. c.) 

Brown. Well, Laura, what do you say? Am I to 
hope? 

Miss M. I think, I really believe Jack is right, Alex- 
ander. (^He kisses her hand.^ Oh, you make me feel 
young again. 

{Reenter Jack, r. c. Miss M. gives a little scream.) 

Jack. I forgot to tell you that Molly told me to order 
the ice-cream and plenty of it, so I sent ten quarts. 

(Exit, R. c.) 

Miss M. Ten quarts of ice-cream ! Has Molly asked 
the whole population ? Oh, what a girl ! 

Brown. But let us consider our own affairs while we 
can. When shall we get married, dearest? 

Miss M. Whenever you like, Alexander. I suppose you 
do not know, but I think I should tell you that I have a little 
income — ^just a thousand dollars a year of my own. Of 
course I know it's not enough to prove a temptation to any 
one, but it makes me feel quite independent. 



MOLLY S WAY 43 

Bkown. I'm glad to hear that, my dear Laura, very 
glad for your sake. {^Earnestly.') Now do not on any ac- 
count settle that little sum on me — I will not allow it. 

Miss M. Make yourself easy on that point, Alexander. 
I have no intention of settling it on you. It is to be kept 
for emergencies. 

{A ring R. c. Enter Charlie.) 

Charlie. Good-afternoon, Miss Meadows. Mr. Brown. 
(Boivs.) I've had a letter from Molly, the most delightful 
letter. It's full of her plans. (^Takes it out of pocket.) 

Miss M. So have I a letter. But mine was not to be 
shown to any one. 

Charlie. Neither was mine. (^Replaces letter.') But I 
can tell you one thing, She asked me to order some angel 
cakes, so I telephoned the baker to leave six large ones. 
The angel ! 

Miss M. Six angel cakes 1 But look here what I've made. 

(Shoids cake.) 

Charlie. I hope I haven't upset your plans. 

Miss M. It doesn't matter. We shall have to live on 
cake for a day or two. 

Charlie. No, we'll eat them up, never fear. 

Miss M. Well, I should like to know who is coming. 

Charlie. All Molly's friends, I guess. I know of one 
who is to be here at five o'clock, and she is the dearest girl 
in the world. (^Confidentially.) I'm engaged. Miss Laura. 

Miss M. Really, Mr. Cranston ? How pleased I am. 
So am I. 

Charlie. So are you what ? 

Miss M. I am also engaged to be married ; I and Mr. 
Brown. 

Chaklie. I see. {To Brown.) My congratulations 1 
{To Miss M.) My warmest wishes. Now I'm off to meet 
her. I hope you will like her. But you couldn't help it. 

{Exit, R. c.) 

(Brown and Miss M. sit on sofa.) 

Miss M. How enthusiastic he is ! And every one is 
getting married, it seems. I hope Molly doesn't elope 



44 MOLLY S WAY 

again, but one never knows what she is going to do next. 
1 wish she would come. 

Brown. She will be here soon. Don't worry. 

Miss M. It's all very well to say " don't worry," but I'm 
sure something has happened. VVhy isn't she here ? She 
ought to be here by now. I believe I'll send a telegram. 
(^Eises.) But where shall I send it ? Jack is the only one 
who seems to know her whereabouts. 

{Enter Jack, r. c.) 

Jack {blankly). Molly hasn't come ! 

Miss M. Molly hasn't come ! {Sits down.') How do 
you know. Jack ? What do you mean ? 

Jack. I've just been down. The train came in all 
right, but Molly wasn't on board. 

Miss M. There ! I knew something had happened to 
her. 

Jack. I don't know what to think. 

Miss M. Oh, dear, oh, dear, perhaps I shall never see 
her again. 

Brown. Come, come, Laura, you must look on the 
bright side. 

(Miss M. buries her face hi her hands. Brown strolls 
over to table, lifts napkin and looks at cake, breaks off a 
little piece of icing and eats it. Jack beside Miss M., 
with his back to door.) 

Miss M. Oh, what shall I do? What shall I tell her 
father? {Enter Molly, l. c. She carries a suit-case.) 
Molly, Molly, where are you? 

Molly. Here I am ! {Drops suit-case and runs to her.) 

Jack. Molly I 

(Brown hastily re-covers cake.) 

Miss M. Molly, you wretch ! I thought something 
dreadful had happened to you. 

Jack. I went down to the depot to meet you. Where 
were you, Molly? 

Molly. Will you all forgive me if I tell you that I have 
been very successful ? 

Miss M. What did you do? What venture? 

Moi.LY. You will all know presently. Jack, I didn't come 
by train. I met the Martins in New York at the ferry and 



MOLLY S WAY 45 

they were in their motor and offered to drive me home. So 
tliey dropped me at the gate. Poor Jack, were you disap- 
pointed ? 

Jack. Disappointed isn't the word. You mustn't go off 
again like this IJy yourself, Molly. Just when 1 thought I 
was going to have a honeymoon, too. It's not fair, is it, 
Aunt Laura ? 

Miss M. No, Molly, it is not fair to Jack — or to any of 
us. 

Molly. Oh, but we'll have a real honeymoon soon, and 
the wedding will start with a trousseau. And there will be 
bridesmaids and a best man and a reception. And a sky- 
scraper cake with a white cupid on top. 

Brown. Very expensive. I wouldn't dream of having 
such a wedding. 

Miss M. But it's not for you to say, Alexander. Now, 
Molly, tell me, what was your mysterious errand ? 

Molly. You'll know in time. Aunt Laura. I've got 
some surprises. One is in the suit-case. 

Jack. What is it? 

Molly. It's a dress, a dream of a dress. Oh, Jack, 
when you see it you'll certainly sit up. Madame Louise 
was making it for to-day, but 1 wouldn't trust her to send 
it. I stopped over in New York to bring it home with me — 
and something else. 

Miss M. Oh, 1 remembered what day this is, and see 
what I've made for you, Molly. (S/iows cake.) 

Molly. A birthday cake. What a beauty ! Thank you, 
Aunt Laura. It would almost do for a wedding cake. How 
long would it keep? 

Jack. Now, Molly 

Molly. I'm glad it's a large one. I've written to 
everybody, father included, to come to my birthday party. 

Brown. I accept your kind invitation with much pleas- 
ure. 

Molly. Very pleased to see you, sir. And at this birth- 
day party it is the hostess who will give the presents — to 
make amends for all the trouble she's caused. 

Jack. Nonsense ! You're an angel, Molly. 

Molly. Aunt Laura, where is father? 

Miss M. He went out some time ago. 

Molly. But it's most important that I should know 
when he will be back. 



46 molly's way 

Jack. Not for a while, I guess. I saw him at the post- 
office on my way up. 

Molly. That's good. Aunt Laura, will you be kind 
enough to meet him outside the gate and detain him for a 
little while? 

Miss M. But, Molly, why don't you want him here ? 

Molly. Not too soon. Oh, I have a good reason. 
Aunt Laura, 

Jack. She has a splendid reason. Aunt Laura. 

Brown. Come, we'll take a little walk, Laura. 

Molly. Now that's good of you, Mr. Brown. I knew 
you'd help me. 

Miss M. Very well. But don't expect me to stay away 
too long. I'm very curious. 

(^Exeunt Miss M. a7id Brown, r. c.) 

Molly, Are they engaged, too ? 
Jack. Of course. 
Molly. How unoriginal ! 

(Jack goes to Molly and kisses her.') 

Jack. Many happy returns of your birthday, my Molly ! 
I'm going to give you twenty kisses — and one to grow on, 

Molly. Not just now. Jack. I haven't time. 

Jack. Well, did you see him — Philip's father? 

Molly. Did I ! Yes, indeed, and he's a dear. He 
didn't eat me up as I'd been led to expect from the stories 
I've heard all my life. And he's delighted with everything. 

(They sit together.) 

Jack. What a daring little thing you are ! 

Molly. Oh, I was even more daring. Guess whom I 
saw in New York ? 

Jack. I haven't any idea. 

Molly. Your uncle, Jack. 

Jack. Molly — you never went to see him ! 

Molly. Yes, I did. 

Jack. Without consulting me ! Oh, Molly, why did 
you do that? I know your intentions were good. But I 
wish you hadn't gone, dear. Well, I suppose he had 
nothing good to say for me. 

MoLi,Y. He said you could report at the office at nine 
o'clock to-morrow. 



MOLLY S WAY 47 

Jack. Molly, you're joking. 

Molly. No, honor bright. All is forgiven. I took 
him into our secret, and he was so nice to me. I love him 
already. I called hiui Uncle Jack. And he kissed me 
good-bye and said he had a fine proposition to make to you. 

Jack. Oh, who could resist you — you little witch ? 
Ami you did this for me ! 

Molly. And for myself. You'll go? 

Jack. Of course I'll go. 

Molly. And mind you're on time. Now, that's settled. 
I want you to do something before father comes back. Go 
down to the boundary fence and loosen all the posts that 
aren't already shaky. John will help you. 

Jack. Is it all right? 

Molly. Yes; 1 take the responsibility, or rather Mr. 
Moore does. Don't pull it down, but get it all ready to 
pull down in a moment. Tell John to stay there, and 
when I signal to him from an up-stairs window he must 
knock it flat. 

Jack. Very well. I won't know the place without that 
old fence, but I'll be glad to see the last of it. 

(^Exit, L. c.) 

{Enter Charlie, r. c.) 

Charlie. Hello, here's the runaway. 

Molly. Yes, here I am, safe and sound. Oh, it seems 
good to be home again. 

Charlie. And I'm glad to see you back, Molly. I 
have a confession to make. 

Molly. What is it ? I won't be very hard on you. 

Charlie. I'm engaged. 

Molly. I'm not surprised. Every one I know is — or 
going to be except father. 

Charlie. You can't even be sure of him. Oh, not that 
I know anything. Well, can you guess the name of my 
fiancee? 

Molly. Yes, I think I can. Is it — Ruth Walden? 

Charlie. Right, but how did you know? 

Molly. Because I have my eyes open. I'm so glad it's 
Ruth. I liked her ever so much. Oh, I hope you will be 
very, very happy ! But here she is coming up the drive 



48 molly's way 

with her mother. They evidently received my letter, all 
right. {Goes l.) 

Charlie. Well, I declare, so she is. Won't you stay 
and meet her, Molly? 

Molly. No, not yet. I won't meet any one until I get 
into my new gown. But tell them 1 have arrived, and will 
be down as quickly as possible. Look out for surprises 
to-day. 

(^Exit, L., with suit-case.) 

{^Enter Ruth, r. c.) 

Charlie. Ruth. {Goes to her and kisses ker.") 

Ruth. Dear Charlie. (They come down c.) Where's 
Molly? 

Charlie. She will be here presently. I was just speak- 
ing to her. 

Ruth. Oh, Charlie, did you tell her ? 

Charlie. 1 did. 

Ruth. And what did she say ? 

Charlie. She said, "I hope you will be very, very 
happy." 

Ruth. I like Molly. 

Charlie. But where is your mother ? 

Ruth. She stopped to look at that ugly high fence, and 
told me to run on. It seemed to upset her. 

Charlie. Of course. She is one of its contemporaries 
— 1 understand. 

{Enter Mrs. W., l. c.) 

Mrs. W. Oh, Ruth, after all these years I've seen the 
fence again. 

Ruth. It's only an ordinary fence, mother. 

Mrs. W. Ordinary ! My dear Ruth, it's not a fence. 
It's a tragedy. It is what made Mr. Moore and Mr. 
Meadows bitter enemies, estranged their children, destroyed • 
our friendship and now has separated father and daughter. 
Don't call that an ordinary fence. I could tear it down. 

Charlie. Time will do that, Mrs. Walden. 

Mrs. W. Oh, time is too slow. 

{Enter Laurie, l. c.) 

Laurie. How do you do, Mrs. Walden — and Miss 
Rulh? Charlie, how are you? Is father here? 



MOLLY S WAY 49 

Charlie. I haven't seen him yet. , 

Laurie (Jooking oui c). Come in, Phil. 

(^E liter Philip, l. c. He has a piece of court plaster 
across his eyel^row and one ar?n in a s/ing.) 

Charlie. Phil, I'm glad to see you up again. 
- Philip. Thanks, Charlie. I'm glad to find Pm alive 
and whole. 

Laurie. Mrs. Walden, ray husband. Miss Walden. 

Philip. Howdoyoudo? {Shakes hands, ^ 

Ruth '(to Charlie). Shall we tell her — the secret ? 

Charlie. Yes, why not ? Mrs. Moore will be interested 
to hear of it, Pm sure. 

Laurie. You excite my curiosity. What will I be in- 
terested to hear of? 

Charlie. Of my engagement to Miss Walden, Don't 
you think I'm a lucky man? 

Laurie. You engaged to Miss Walden? How extra- 
ordinary ! 

Ruth. Do you think so? 

Laurie. Oh, not because he is engaged to you. That's 
lovely. And I hope you'll be very happy, Miss Walden. 

{Stares at Ruth.) 

Ruth (ratJier coolly). Thank you. 

Laurie. But where is Aunt Laura? She ought to be 
here. And Molly. 

Mrs. W. I think your aunt's time is very much oc- 
cupied just now with an old friend. One can hardly blame 
her. 

{Enter Brown, r. c.) 

Brown. Has any one seen Miss Meadows ? 

Charlie. No, sir. We thought she was with you. 

Brown. She was, until, unhappily, a slight difference in 
our opinions seemed to point to the advantage of a temporary 
separation. I never quarrel. 

Mrs. W, Yon are very wise, Mr. Brown. But I dare 
say your little difference of opinion was not serious. 

Brown. It was about the fence. 

Mrs. W. Ah ! the fence. 

Brown. I wanted to speak to Mr. Meadows about the 



50 MOLLY S WAY 

advisability of replacing it with one of stone. It looks so 
shaky, as if it might come down any minute. 

Mrs. VV. (risitig). And a stone fence would practically 
last forever ! What a suggestion ! Oh, you don't under- 
stand, Mr. Brown. 

[Enter Jack, l. c.) 

Jack. Where's Molly? Isn't she down yet? Hello, 
Phil, how are you? Mrs. Walden, I'm glad to see you 
again. And Miss Walden. {Goes to Laurie.) Molly 
must be making a wonderful toilet. 

Laurie. Tell me. Jack, was Molly's mission really worth 
while ? 

Jack. You wait and see. But I think you'll say it was, 
anyway. 

{Enter Miss M., r. c.) 

Miss M. My dear Rosetta ! How delighted I am to see 
you here again. {To Ruth.) Welcome to Meadowlands I 

{Enter Mr. M., r. c.) 

Laurie. Father! {Goes to him.') Will you forgive 
me? 

Mr. M. If you are prepared to stay at home as my 
daughter. 

(Laurie turns away and Mrs. W., much affected, goes to 
window. Suddenly a crash is heard off c.) 

Mrs. W. {with a scream). The fence ! The fence has 
fallen down ! 

(Mr. M., Miss M., <7«^Ruth run to door l. c.) 

Mr. M. Impossible ! Who — what can have done this ? 
Jack. It made a fine smash ! (7".? Philip.) No need of 
getting through holes now, Phil. 

Mr. M. I will have it put up again at once. 

{Enter Molly, wearing a new gown.) 

Molly. It will never be put up again, father. 

Mr. M. Molly ! What tomfoolery is this? 

Molly. The fence must never be put up again. Now, 
father, you will forgive Laurie. Oh, you can't refuse, be- 
cause her father in-law has forgiven her for marrying Phil. 



MOLLY S WAY 5 1 

Mr. M. What do you mean ? 

Molly. Mr. Moore told me so. 

Philip. You saw my father ? 

Molly. Yes, and 1 think he is the dearest old gentleman 
in the world — next to my father, when he's amiable. He 
sent you a letter, sir. (^Gives letter to Mr. M.) And to 
you, Phil, he sent this. {One to Philip.) And this to 
you, Laurie. (Z^//.fr /^ Laurie. All open letters.^ These 
are my birthday gifts to you, and I hope you'll enjoy them. 

Mr. M. a letter from Sam. We used to be such friends. 
(Miss M. makes a move to go to him.") Rosetta, what do 
you tliink? 

{He goes to Mrs. W. Miss M. turns away and encounters 
Brown, who slips her arm in his.) 

Philip. Laurie, a check from my father. A check 
signed by him and a note to say I can fill in any amount up 
to ten thousand. . Isn't he a brick? My fortune's made. 

Laurie. And I have such a nice letter. He calls me 
"daughter." 

(Mr. M. goes to Philip and shakes hands with him.') 

Mr. M. Philip, I've been too hard. Your father has 
taught me a lesson. {Kisses Laurie.) 

Jack. And what about Molly? Isn't she a brick? 
Where would you all be but for her? And where I'd be, 
goodness knows I 

Miss M. Molly's methods are impulsive, but her heart's 
all right. 

Jack {his arm around Molly). And it's mine. 

Molly. All yours. 

Charlie. Captivating little Molly. 

Everything she does is jolly. 

Molly. And now, father, may I marry Jack ? 

Mr. M. Of course. Take her. Jack, and good luck to 
you. Molly's way is all right. 

Tableau 

Laurie Philip Miss M, Brown 

Mrs. W. Mr. M. Molly Jack Ruth Charlie 



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